Balloon endoscope and methods of manufacture and use thereof

ABSTRACT

A balloon endoscope including an endoscope body having a selectably pressurizable interior volume, which generally fills the interior of the endoscope body and a selectably inflatable balloon located on an outer surface of the endoscope body and defining a balloon volume which communicates with the interior volume for selectable inflation of the balloon by selectable pressurization of the interior volume.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/282,623, filed Mar. 9, 2010 and entitled “Endoscope with externalfluid communication,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/282,624, filed Mar. 9, 2010 and entitled “Balloon Endoscope withinternal fluid communication,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/344,690, filed Sep. 14, 2010 and entitled “Endoscope withExternal Gas Communication,” and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/457,236, filed Feb. 9, 2011 and entitled “ManufacturingMethods of Balloon Endoscope with External Fluid Communication,” thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference and prioritiesof which are hereby claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 33 CFR 1.38(a) (4) and(5)(i).

Reference is also made to applicant's copending PCT Application No.PCT/IL2005/000152, filed Feb. 7, 2005; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2005/000849, filed Aug. 8, 2005; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2007/000600, filed May 17, 2007; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2007/000832, filed Jul. 4, 2007; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2008/000687, filed May 20, 2008; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2009/000322, filed Mar. 23, 2009; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2009/000940, filed Oct. 1, 2009; and PCT Application No.PCT/IL2010/000425, filed May 30, 2010, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to endoscopy generally and moreparticularly to balloon endoscopes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following patent publications and commercially available productsare believed to represent the current state of the art:

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,837,347; 4,040,413; 4,148,307; 4,176,662; 4,195,637;4,261,339; 4,453,545; 4,616,652; 4,676,228; 4,862,874; 4,917,088;5,135,487; 5,259,366; 5,593,419; 6,007,482; 6,461,294; 6,585,639;6,663,589; and 6,702,735;

U.S. Patent Application publication Nos. 2003/0244361; 2004/0102681;2005/0124856; 2005/0125005; 2005/0133453; 2005/0137457; 2005/0165233;2005/0165273; 2005/0171400; 2006/0111610; and 2006/0161044;

Japanese Patent Application publication No. JP2003-250896; Published PCTPatent Applications WO 2005/074377; WO 2005/017854; WO 2007/135665; WO2008/004228; WO 2008/142685; WO 2009/122395; WO 2010/046891; WO2010/137025; and

Double Balloon Endoscope product, including EC-450BI5 colonoscope,TS-13101 overtube and BS-2 front balloon, which interface with balloonpump controller BP-20 and EPX-4400HD video system, all commerciallyavailable from Fujinon Inc., of 10 High Point Drive, Wayne, N.J., USA;and,

Single Balloon Endoscope product, including SIF-Q180 enteroscope, ST-SB1overtube, which interface with balloon pump control OBCU and EVIS EXERAII system video system, all commercially available from Olympus Inc., of3500 Corporate Parkway Center Valley, Pa. 18034-0610, USA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved balloon endoscopes andmethod of manufacture thereof.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a balloon endoscope including an endoscope body havinga selectably pressurizable interior volume, which generally fills theinterior of the endoscope body and a selectably inflatable balloonlocated on an outer surface of the endoscope body and defining a balloonvolume which communicates with the interior volume for selectableinflation of the balloon by selectable pressurization of the interiorvolume.

Preferably, at least one conduit extends through at least part of theselectably pressurizable interior volume.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention atleast one fluid conduit extends through at least part of the selectablypressurizable interior volume and is sealed therefrom.

Preferably, the at least one conduit includes an instrument channel.Additionally or alternatively, the endoscope body includes a leak testport communicating with the selectably pressurizable interior volume.Alternatively or additionally, the balloon endoscope also includes afluid flow discriminator at a forward portion of the selectablypressurizable interior volume which prevents passage of liquid butpermits passage of gas therethrough.

Preferably, the balloon endoscope also includes a ballooninflation/deflation control system communicating with the selectablypressurizable interior volume and with the selectably inflatable balloonand being operative to provide automatic leak testing of at least one ofthe selectably pressurizable interior volume and the selectablyinflatable balloon. Additionally, the balloon inflation/deflationcontrol system has at least two modes of operation including a positivepressure leak testing mode and a negative pressure leak testing mode.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is retrofitted onto the endoscope body.Additionally or alternatively, the selectably inflatable balloonincludes generally cylindrical rearward and forward ends having a fixedinner cross-sectional radius R1, a central cylindrical portion having afixed inner cross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominalpressure, slightly in excess of atmospheric pressure, and circularlysymmetric tapered portions extending between the central cylindricalportion and each of the rearward and forward ends, whose inner radiuschanges from R2 to R1 where cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2, ris the inner radius of the balloon at a given location between thecentral cylindrical portion and one of the rearward and forward ends;and Alpha is the angle between a tangent to the balloon at the givenlocation and a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balloon.

Preferably, the selectably inflatable balloon is integrally formed aspart of an outer sheath of the endoscope. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention the balloon endoscope also includesa bending section including a bending rubber sheath and the selectablyinflatable balloon is located rearwardly of the bending rubber sheath.

Preferably, the selectably inflatable balloon is removably mounted ontothe outer surface of the endoscope. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention the balloon endoscope also includesa bending section including a bending rubber sheath and wherein theselectably inflatable balloon overlies the bending rubber sheath.Additionally, the selectably inflatable balloon is generally coextensivewith the bending rubber sheath.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a balloon endoscope including an endoscope bodyhaving a leak test port and a selectably inflatable balloon associatedwith the endoscope body and defining a balloon volume which communicateswith the leak test port.

Preferably, the endoscope body has a selectably pressurizable interiorvolume, which generally fills the interior of the endoscope body.Additionally or alternatively, the selectably inflatable balloon islocated on an outer surface of the endoscope body. Alternatively oradditionally, the balloon volume communicates with the interior volumefor selectable inflation of the balloon by selectable pressurization ofthe interior volume via the leak test port.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention atleast one conduit extends through at least part of the selectablypressurizable interior volume. Preferably, at least one fluid conduitextends through at least part of the selectably pressurizable interiorvolume and is sealed therefrom. Additionally, the at least one conduitincludes an instrument channel.

Preferably, the balloon endoscope also includes a fluid flowdiscriminator communicating with the balloon volume, which preventspassage of liquid but permits passage of gas therethrough. Additionallyor alternatively, the balloon endoscope also includes a ballooninflation/deflation control system communicating with the balloon volumeand being operative to provide automatic leak testing of the selectablyinflatable balloon. Additionally, the balloon inflation/deflationcontrol system has at least two modes of operation including a positivepressure leak testing mode and a negative pressure leak testing mode.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is retrofitted onto the endoscope body.Additionally or alternatively, the selectably inflatable balloonincludes generally cylindrical rearward and forward ends having a fixedinner cross-sectional radius R1, a central cylindrical portion having afixed inner cross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominalpressure, slightly in excess of atmospheric pressure, and circularlysymmetric tapered portions extending between the central cylindricalportion and each of the rearward and forward ends, whose inner radiuschanges from R2 to R1 where cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2, ris the inner radius of the balloon at a given location between thecentral cylindrical portion and one of the rearward and forward ends andAlpha is the angle between a tangent to the balloon at the givenlocation and a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balloon.

Preferably, the selectably inflatable balloon is integrally formed aspart of an outer sheath of the endoscope. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention the balloon endoscope also includesa bending section including a bending rubber sheath and the selectablyinflatable balloon is located rearwardly of the bending rubber sheath.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is removably mounted onto an outer surfaceof the endoscope. Additionally or alternatively, the balloon endoscopealso includes a bending section including a bending rubber sheath andthe selectably inflatable balloon overlies the bending rubber sheath. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is generally coextensive with the bendingrubber sheath.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention an endoscope including an endoscopebody having a forward portion and a rearward portion and a fluidpassageway extending from the rearward portion to the forward portionand including a fluid flow discriminator at the forward portion whichprevents passage of liquid but permits passage of gas.

Preferably, the fluid passageway includes an interior volume of theendoscope body, which generally fills the interior of the endoscopebody. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventionthe fluid passageway includes a conduit extending through an interiorvolume of the endoscope body, which interior volume generally fills theinterior of the endoscope body.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thefluid passageway includes a conduit. Preferably, the fluid passagewaycommunicates with a leak test port of the endoscope.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theendoscope also includes a selectably inflatable balloon located on anouter surface of the endoscope body and defining a balloon volume whichcommunicates with the fluid passageway for selectable inflation of theballoon. Additionally the selectably inflatable balloon is removablymounted onto the outer surface of the endoscope body.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thefluid flow discriminator includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeablefilter. Additionally or alternatively, the endoscope also includes aballoon inflation/deflation control system communicating with the fluidpassageway.

Preferably, the selectably inflatable balloon is retrofitted onto theendoscope body. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the selectably inflatable balloon includes generallycylindrical rearward and forward ends having a fixed innercross-sectional radius R1, a central cylindrical portion having a fixedinner cross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominal pressure,slightly in excess of atmospheric pressure, and circularly symmetrictapered portions extending between the central cylindrical portion andeach of the rearward and forward ends, whose inner radius changes fromR2 to R1 where cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2, r is the innerradius of the balloon at a given location between the centralcylindrical portion and one of the rearward and forward ends and Alphais the angle between a tangent to the balloon at the given location anda longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balloon.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is integrally formed as part of an outersheath of the endoscope. Preferably, the balloon endoscope also includesa bending section including a bending rubber sheath and the selectablyinflatable balloon is located rearwardly of the bending rubber sheath.

Preferably, the balloon endoscope also includes a bending sectionincluding a bending rubber sheath and wherein the selectably inflatableballoon overlies the bending rubber sheath. Additionally, the selectablyinflatable balloon is generally coextensive with the bending rubbersheath.

There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a balloon endoscope including anendoscope body having a selectably pressurizable interior volume, whichgenerally fills the interior of the endoscope body, a selectablyinflatable balloon located on an outer surface of the endoscope body anda balloon inflation/deflation control system communicating with theselectably pressurizable interior volume and with the selectablyinflatable balloon and being operative to provide automatic leak testingof at least one of the selectably pressurizable interior volume and theselectably inflatable balloon.

Preferably, the balloon inflation/deflation control system has at leasttwo modes of operation including a positive pressure leak testing modeand a negative pressure leak testing mode.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theballoon inflation/deflation control system includes at least one of thefollowing operational modules: an initialization module, operable priorto an endoscopy procedure, a real time leak monitoring balloon inflationmodule, operable during an endoscopy procedure and a real time leakmonitoring balloon deflation module, operable during an endoscopyprocedure.

More preferably, the balloon inflation/deflation control system includesat least two of the following operational modules: an initializationmodule, operable prior to an endoscopy procedure, a real time leakmonitoring balloon inflation module, operable during an endoscopyprocedure and a real time leak monitoring balloon deflation module,operable during an endoscopy procedure. Most preferably, the ballooninflation/deflation control system includes the following operationalmodules: an initialization module, operable prior to an endoscopyprocedure, a real time leak monitoring balloon inflation module,operable during an endoscopy procedure and a real time leak monitoringballoon deflation module, operable during an endoscopy procedure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theinitialization module includes the following functionality: balloonendoscope pressurization producing balloon inflation, pressure leak testwhen the balloon endoscope is in a pressurized state and the balloon issurrounded by a balloon confining, gas permeable collar member, balloonendoscope depressurization producing balloon deflation, vacuum leak testwhen the balloon endoscope is in a pressurized state and provision ofsystem go/no go indication.

Preferably, the real time leak monitoring balloon inflation moduleincludes the following functionality: balloon endoscope pressurizationproducing balloon inflation, provision of complete balloon inflationindication, pressure leak test when the balloon endoscope is in apressurized state within a body cavity and provision of leak indication.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thereal time leak monitoring balloon deflation module includes thefollowing functionality: balloon endoscope depressurization producingballoon deflation, provision of complete balloon deflation indication tothe operator, pressure leak test when the balloon endoscope is in adepressurized state within a body cavity and provision of leakindication.

Preferably, the balloon endoscope also includes an endoscope toolballoon and the balloon inflation/deflation control system includes: anendoscope balloon inflation/deflation control system sub-systemcommunicating with the selectably pressurizable interior volume and withthe selectably inflatable balloon and being operative to provideautomatic leak testing of at least one of the selectably pressurizableinterior volume and the selectably inflatable balloon and an endoscopetool balloon inflation/deflation control system sub-system communicatingwith the endoscope tool balloon and being operative to provide automaticleak testing of the endoscope tool balloon.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflatable balloon is retrofitted onto the endoscope body.

There is even further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for balloon endoscopyincluding providing an endoscope including an endoscope body having aselectably pressurizable interior volume, which generally fills theinterior of the endoscope body, and a selectably inflatable balloon andselectably inflating the selectably inflatable balloon by selectablepressurization of the interior volume.

Preferably, the selectably inflating includes selectably inflating theselectably inflatable balloon via a leak test port communicating withthe selectably pressurizable interior volume. Additionally oralternatively, the selectably inflating includes enabling passage of gasbut not liquid between the selectably pressurizable interior volume andthe selectably inflatable balloon.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theselectably inflating includes providing automatic leak testing of atleast one of the selectably pressurizable interior volume and theselectably inflatable balloon.

There is also provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for balloon endoscopyincluding providing an endoscope including an endoscope body having aleak test port and a selectably inflatable balloon and selectablyinflating the selectably inflatable balloon via the leak test port.

Preferably, the selectably inflating includes enabling passage of gasbut not liquid between the selectably pressurizable interior volume andthe the selectably inflatable balloon. Additionally or alternatively,the selectably inflating includes providing automatic leak testing of atleast one of the selectably pressurizable interior volume and theselectably inflatable balloon.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for balloon endoscopyincluding providing an endoscope having a forward portion and a rearwardportion and a fluid passageway extending from the rearward portion tothe forward portion and providing passage of gas but not liquid betweenthe fluid passageway and a location outside the endoscope at the forwardportion thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention themethod for balloon endoscopy also includes selectably pressurizing thefluid passageway and providing gas communication between the fluidpassageway and a balloon volume defined at the interior of a selectablyinflatable balloon sealingly mounted over an outer surface of theforward portion of the endoscope.

There is still further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for balloon endoscopyincluding providing an endoscope including an endoscope body having aselectably pressurizable interior volume and a selectably inflatableballoon located on an outer surface of the endoscope body and providingautomatic leak testing of at least one of the selectably pressurizableinterior volume and the selectably inflatable balloon.

There is even further provided in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention a method of manufacture ofa balloon endoscope including providing an at least partially completeendoscope having a selectably pressurizable interior volume, providingat least one aperture in an outer sheath of the endoscope, the at leastone aperture communicating with the selectably pressurizable interiorvolume and providing a selectably inflatable balloon over the outersheath and in sealing engagement therewith, the balloon being arrangedto have a balloon volume overlying the at least one aperture.

Preferably, the providing an at least partially complete endoscopeincludes providing an endoscope lacking at least part of the outersheath and the providing at least one aperture includes forming anaperture in an outer sheath and thereafter mounting the outer sheath onthe endoscope.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention themethod of manufacture of a balloon endoscope also includes associating afluid flow discriminator with the at least one aperture. Additionally oralternatively, the providing an at least partially complete endoscopeincludes retrofitting the endoscope to remove at least part of the outersheath thereof.

There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method of manufacture of anendoscope including providing an at least partially complete endoscopeand providing at least one aperture in an outer sheath of the endoscopeand associating a fluid flow discriminator with the at least oneaperture.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention themethod of manufacture of an endoscope also includes providing aselectably inflatable balloon over the outer sheath and in sealingengagement therewith, the balloon being arranged to have a balloonvolume overlying the at least one aperture. Additionally oralternatively, the providing an at least partially complete endoscopeincludes providing an endoscope lacking at least part of the outersheath and the providing at least one aperture includes forming anaperture in an outer sheath and thereafter mounting the outer sheath onthe endoscope.

There is even further provided in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention a method of reprocessing aballoon endoscope including inflating a balloon of the balloon endoscopeand reprocessing the balloon endoscope while the balloon is inflated.Preferably, the method of reprocessing the balloon endoscope alsoincludes, prior to inflating the balloon of the balloon endoscope,placing a liquid spray permeable inflation limiting collar over theballoon.

There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention an inflatable/deflatable balloonsuitable for use as part of a balloon endoscope or balloon catheter andincluding generally cylindrical rearward and forward ends having a fixedinner cross-sectional radius R1, a central cylindrical portion having afixed inner cross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominalpressure, slightly in excess of atmospheric pressure, and circularlysymmetric tapered portions extending between the central cylindricalportion and each of the rearward and forward ends, whose inner radiuschanges from R2 to R1 where: cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2,r is the inner radius of the balloon at a given location between thecentral cylindrical portion and one of the rearward and forward ends andAlpha is the angle between a tangent to the balloon at the givenlocation and a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balloon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawingsin which:

FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate a first embodiment of a balloon endoscopeconstructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate a second embodiment of a balloon endoscopeconstructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A & 3B illustrate a third embodiment of a balloon endoscopeconstructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of an inflation/deflation controlsystem preferably forming part of the balloon endoscopes of FIGS. 1A-3B;

FIGS. 5A-5J are together a simplified pictorial flowchart whichillustrates operation of a balloon endoscope in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6A-6I are simplified pictorial illustrations of a method ofmanufacture of a balloon endoscope in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The terms “endoscope” and “endoscopy” are used throughout in a mannersomewhat broader than their customary meaning and refer to apparatus andmethods which operate within body cavities, passageways and the like,such as, for example, the small intestine and the large intestine.Although these terms normally refer to visual inspection, as used hereinthey are not limited to applications which employ visual inspection andrefer as well to apparatus, systems and methods which need notnecessarily involve visual inspection.

The term “forward” refers to the remote end of an endoscope, accessoryor tool furthest from the operator or to a direction facing such remoteend.

The term “rearward” refers to the end portion of an endoscope, accessoryor tool closest to the operator, typically outside an organ or bodyportion of interest or to a direction facing such end portion.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A & 1B, which illustrate a firstembodiment of a balloon endoscope constructed and operative inaccordance with the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, anendoscope 100 is connected to an endoscope system (not shown). Otherthan as specifically described hereinbelow, the endoscope 100 may be aconventional endoscope such as an EC-3470LK video colonoscope or aVSB-3430K video enteroscope which are commercially available from PentaxEurope GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St. 22527 Hamburg, Germany, and theendoscope system may be a conventional endoscope system such as aconsole including a EPK-1000 video processor and a SONY LMD-2140MDmedical grade flat panel LCD monitor, all commercially available fromPentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.

As distinct from a conventional endoscope, the endoscope 100 has anouter sheath 101 which is preferably provided with at least one ballooninflation/deflation aperture 102, with which is associated a fluid flowdiscriminator such as a filter 104, preferably a gas permeable, liquidimpermeable filter, for example a Polytetrafluoroethylene filter, suchas a Polytetrafluoroethylene filer sheath forming part of HydrophobicFilter product P/N 28211, commercially available from Qosina Inc., 150-QExecutive Drive Edgewood, N.Y. 11717-8329 USA. Aperture 102 preferablycommunicates with an interior volume 106 of the endoscope 100, which inconventional endoscopes is sealed from the exterior other than via aleak test port 108 at a rearward portion 110 of the endoscope. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,interior volume 106 generally fills the interior of the endoscope 100.

Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the endoscope, the leaktest port 108 need not be located as illustrated in FIGS. 1A & 1B butmay be at a different location.

Alternatively one or more aperture 102 and filter 104 may be provided inthe absence of a balloon for other applications such as insufflation ofa body cavity, such as an intestine, by pressurizing the interior volume106 of the endoscope via leak test port 108 and one or more aperture 102and filter 104.

Alternatively, as not shown, aperture 102 and filter 104 may communicatewith a fluid flow passageway other than interior volume 106, such as,for example, a fluid or other conduit, such as conventional dedicatedballoon inflation/deflation channels, which are not known to beassociated with filters at a forward portion thereof.

As in conventional endoscopes, endoscope 100 includes, forward ofrearward portion 110, an insertion tube portion 112 and, at a forwardportion of endoscope 100, a bending section 114. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A & 1B aperture 102 and filter 104 are located in the bendingsection 114 of endoscope 100.

Rearward portion 110 preferably includes, in addition to leak test port108, an instrument channel port 120, which communicates with aninstrument channel 122, extending throughout the length of endoscope100. Rearward portion 110 preferably also includes conventional userinterface elements, such as steering knobs 124 and 126 and otherelements (not shown) and defines an interior volume, which forms part ofinterior volume 106 and communicates with the leak test port 108.

Insertion tube portion 112 includes a reinforcement mesh 132 whichserves to maintain the interior volume thereof against collapse duringbending thereof so as to maintain communication therethrough between theinterior volume of the rearward portion 110 and the interior volume ofthe bending section 114. A tubular sealing sheath 134, typically formingpart of outer sheath 101, seals the interior volume of insertion tubeportion 112 from the exterior of the endoscope. In addition to theinstrument channel 122, an optical fiber bundle 136 also extends throughthe interior volume of the insertion tube portion 112. Other conduitsand other elements may also extend through this interior volume.

It is appreciated that interior volume 106 substantially fills theinterior of endoscope 100 which is not occupied by conduits and otherelements extending therethrough. Interior volume 106 is fluid sealedfrom the exterior of the endoscope 100 preferably other than via leaktest port 108. Accordingly, it is a particular feature of the presentinvention that interior volume 106 may be used, as not previouslycontemplated, for inflation and deflation of an endoscope balloon.

It is further appreciated that notwithstanding the fact that variousconduits may extend through the interior volume 106, their presence doesnot result in fluid communication between the interior volume 106 andthe interior of any conduit extending therethrough.

Bending section 114 includes a selectably bendable reinforcement mesh142 which is selectably bendable in response to operator manipulation ofsteering knobs 124 and 126. The interior volume of bending section 114is thus also protected against collapse during bending thereof so as tomaintain communication therethrough with the interior volumes of theinsertion tube portion 112 and of the rearward portion 110. A tubularsealing bending rubber sheath 144, typically forming part of outersheath 101, seals the interior volume of bending section 114 from theexterior of the endoscope. Bending rubber sheath 144 may be anoff-the-shelf product, such as a silicone bending rubber sheath partnumber SPRBSS11, PVC bending rubber sheath part number SPRBSP11, or aViton bending rubber sheath part number SPRBSV11, all commerciallyavailable from Endoscope Repair Inc. of 5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, No.815Miami, Fla. 33126 USA. Instrument channel 122, optical fiber bundle 136and optionally other elements extend through the interior volume of thebending section 114.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,bending section 114 includes a rigid collar element 150, preferablyformed of metal, which underlies a forward end 151 of tubular sealingsheath 134 which is butted against a rearward end of sheath 144. Arearward end 152 of an inflatable tubular balloon 154 is retained overrearward end of sheath 144 preferably by a wire 156 wound thereabout.The rearward end 152 of balloon 154 is preferably additionally sealed tosheath 144 by an adhesive 158, such as a medical grade epoxy M31-CL,commercially available from Henkel Corporation, One Henkel Way RockyHill, Conn. 06067, USA.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, bending section 114 includes a rigid tip portion 170,preferably formed of metal or plastic, a rearward portion 172 of whichunderlies a forward end 174 of sheath 144. A forward end 176 ofinflatable tubular balloon 154 is retained over forward end 174 ofsheath 144 preferably by a wire 178 wound thereabout. The forward end176 of balloon 154 is preferably additionally sealed to rigid tipportion 170 by an adhesive 180, such as a medical grade epoxy M31-CL,commercially available from Henkel Corporation, One Henkel Way RockyHill, Conn. 06067, USA.

Filter 104 is preferably connected to sheath 144 underlying aperture 102by any suitable technique, such as the use of adhesive, for example aPolychloroprene based Contact Cement commercially available from Elmer'sProducts Inc. of One Easton Oval Columbus, Ohio 43219, USA, may be used.It is appreciated that a gas communication path extends between the leaktest port 108 via the interior volume 106, filter 104 and aperture 102to a balloon volume at the interior of inflatable/deflatable balloon154.

It is a particular feature of the present invention thatinflatable/deflatable balloon 154 is inflated and/or deflated via theinterior volume 106 of the balloon endoscope 100. The available crosssection of the interior volume 106 for inflation/deflation of theballoon 154 is typically 15-25 square millimeter, which is approximately6-15 times greater than the cross section of balloon inflation channelsemployed in the prior art. This enables inflation and deflation of theballoon 154 to take place significantly faster than in prior art balloonendoscopes.

It is appreciated that the present invention enables retrofit ofexisting non-balloon endoscopes to become balloon endoscopes, withoutthe complications and per treatment costs associated with conventionalexternal balloon devices. These complications include limitations onbendability, torqueability and maneuverability as well as increasedcross section and increased endoscope head resistance to advancement.Prior art balloon endoscopes have increased per treatment costs arisingfrom difficulties in reprocessing, cleaning and disinfection thereof,resulting in single-use components, which are obviated in the operationof the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, the configuration of inflatable/deflatableballoon 154 is preferably as shown at A, characterized as follows:

Balloon 154 preferably has an overall length of 70-130 mm, morepreferably 90-110 mm. Rearward and forward ends 152 and 176 respectivelyof balloon 154 are generally cylindrical and have a fixed innercross-sectional radius R1, when forming part of balloon endoscope 100.R1 is preferably between 4 and 7 mm so as to tightly engage the adjacentportions of the endoscope.

A central cylindrical portion 182 of balloon 154 typically has a lengthof 25-70 mm and more preferably 30-55 mm and has a fixed innercross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominal pressure, such as10-20 millibars in excess of atmospheric pressure. R2 is preferablybetween 20 and 35 mm depending on the application.

Extending between the central cylindrical portion 182 and each of therearward and forward ends 152 and 176 respectively are circularlysymmetric tapered portions whose inner radius changes from R2 to R1preferably in accordance with the following function:

cos(Alpha)≧r/R2

where r is the inner radius of the balloon at a given location betweenthe central cylindrical portion 182 and one of ends 152 and 176; and

Alpha is the angle between the tangent to the balloon at the givenlocation and a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the balloon, hereindicated by reference numeral 184.

More preferably, cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2.

It is appreciated that the foregoing balloon configuration is applicablenot only to balloon endoscopes but also to balloon catheters, withsuitable adjustment being made to R1 and R2.

Alternatively other balloon configurations may be employed, such as thatshown at B.

As also seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, the inflatable/deflatable balloon 154 maybe fixed to the endoscope as described hereinabove and shown at A.Alternatively, the inflatable/deflatable balloon 154 may be removablyattached to the endoscope as by stretchable rings 188, as shown at B.

As additionally seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, a single aperture 102 may beprovided for gas communication between the interior ofinflatable/deflatable balloon 154 and the interior volume 106 ofendoscope 100 as described hereinabove and shown at A and B.Alternatively, plural apertures 102, having associated therewith pluralfilters 104 may be provided for gas communication between the interiorof inflatable/deflatable balloon 154 and the interior volume 106 ofendoscope 100, as shown as C.

As further seen in FIGS. 1A & 1B, the length of balloon 154 ispreferably approximately similar to the length of the bending rubbersheath 144 and aligned therewith, as shown at A and B. This alignmentallows rearward end 152 of balloon 154 to be mounted over the rigidcollar element 150, by the wires 156 and adhesive 158 as shown at Atogether with underlying rearward end of sheath 144, or by removablering 188 as shown at B, and allows forward end 176 of balloon 154 to bemounted over the rigid rearward portion 172 of rigid tip portion 170, bywires 178 and adhesive 180 as shown at A together with underlyingforward end 174 of sheath 144, or by removable ring 188 as shown at B.

Alternatively, as shown at C in FIGS. 1A & 1B, the length of balloon 154is shorter than the length of bending rubber sheath 144, in which caseend portions 152 and 176 of balloon 154 may be fixed to the bendingrubber sheath 144 by any suitable known technique, such as by adhesiveor by ultrasonic welding.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that aninflation/deflation control system 190 is coupled to the interior volume106 of the endoscope 100 via leak test port 108.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A & 2B, which illustrate a secondembodiment of a balloon endoscope constructed and operative inaccordance with the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 2A & 2B, anendoscope 200 is connected to an endoscope system (not shown). Otherthan as specifically described hereinbelow, the endoscope 200 may be aconventional endoscope such as an EC-3470LK video colonoscope or aVSB-3430K video enteroscope which are commercially available from PentaxEurope GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St. 22527 Hamburg, Germany, and theendoscope system may be a conventional endoscope system such as aconsole including a EPK-1000 video processor and a SONY LMD-2140MDmedical grade flat panel LCD monitor, all commercially available fromPentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.

An interior volume 206 of the endoscope 200, which preferably generallyfills the interior of the endoscope 200, is sealed from the exteriorother than via a leak test port 208 at a rearward portion 210 of theendoscope 200.

As in conventional endoscopes, endoscope 200 includes, forward ofrearward portion 210, an insertion tube portion 212 and, at a forwardportion of endoscope 200, a bending section 214.

Rearward portion 210 preferably includes, in addition to leak test port208, an instrument channel port 220, which communicates with aninstrument channel 222, extending throughout the length of endoscope200. Rearward portion 210 preferably also includes conventional userinterface elements, such as steering knobs 224 and 226 and otherelements (not shown) and defines an interior volume, which forms part ofinterior volume 206 and communicates with the leak test port 208.

Insertion tube portion 212 includes a reinforcement mesh 232 whichserves to maintain the interior volume thereof against collapse duringbending thereof so as to maintain communication therethrough between theinterior volume of the rearward portion and the interior volume of thebending section 214. A tubular sealing sheath 234 seals the interiorvolume of insertion tube portion 212 from the exterior of the endoscope.In addition to the instrument channel 222, an optical fiber bundle 236also extends through the interior volume of the insertion tube portion212. Other conduits and elements may also extend through this interiorvolume.

Bending section 214 includes a selectably bendable reinforcement mesh242 which is selectably bendable in response to operator manipulation ofsteering knobs 224 and 226. The interior volume of bending section 214is thus also protected against collapse during bending thereof so as tomaintain communication therethrough with the interior volumes of theinsertion tube portion 212 and of the rearward portion 210.

A tubular sealing bending rubber sheath 244 seals the interior volume ofbending section 214 from the exterior of the endoscope. Instrumentchannel 222, an optical fiber bundle 236 and optionally other elementsand conduits extend through the interior volume 246 of the bendingsection 214.

As distinct from a conventional endoscope, tubular sealing bendingrubber sheath 244 includes an integrally formed selectablyinflatable/deflatable balloon portion 248, the interior of whichcommunicates with the interior volume 246 of the bending section 214.Bending rubber sheath 244 with balloon portion 248 may be made of agenerally stretchable material such as silicon, or a relativelynon-stretchable material such as PVC, polyurethane, nylon or otherpolymeric material.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,bending section 214 includes a rigid collar element 250, preferablyformed of metal, which underlies a forward end 251 of tubular sealingsheath 234 which is butted against a rearward end of sheath 244.

A fluid flow discriminator such as an in-line filter 252, preferably agas permeable, liquid impermeable filter, for example aPolytetrafluoroethylene filer, such as a Polytetrafluoroethylene filersheath forming part of Hydrophobic Filter product P/N 28211,commercially available from Qosina Inc., 150-Q Executive Drive Edgewood,N.Y. 11717-8329 USA, is disposed within rigid collar element 250 andprevents liquid from passing between the interior volume 246 of thebending section 214 and the interior volume 206 of the remainder of theendoscope rearwardly thereof. It is appreciated that a gas communicationpath extends between the leak test port 208 via the interior volume 206,filter 252 and interior volume 246 to the interior ofinflatable/deflatable balloon portion 248.

Alternatively, as not shown, the interior of integrally formed balloonportion 248 and filter 252 may communicate with a fluid flow passagewayother than interior volume 206, such as, for example, a fluid or otherconduit, such as conventional dedicated balloon inflation/deflationchannels, which are not known to be associated with filters at a forwardportion thereof.

A rearward end 253 of tubular sealing bending rubber sheath 244 isretained over rigid collar element 250 preferably by a wire 256 woundthereabout. The rearward end 253 of tubular sealing bending rubbersheath 244 is preferably additionally sealed to sheath 234 by anadhesive 258, such as a medical grade epoxy M31-CL, commerciallyavailable from Henkel Corporation, One Henkel Way Rocky Hill, Conn.06067, USA.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, bending section 214 includes a rigid tip portion 270,preferably formed of metal or plastic, a rearward portion 272 of whichunderlies a forward end 274 of sheath 244. Forward end 274 of sheath 244is retained over rearward portion 272 of rigid tip portion 270preferably by a wire 278 wound thereabout. The forward end 274 of sheath244 is preferably additionally sealed to rigid tip portion 270 by anadhesive 280, such as a medical grade epoxy M31-CL, commerciallyavailable from Henkel Corporation, One Henkel Way Rocky Hill, Conn.06067, USA.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that aninflation/deflation control system 290 is coupled to the interior volume206 of the endoscope 200 via leak test port 208.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A & 3B, which illustrate a thirdembodiment of a balloon endoscope constructed and operative inaccordance with the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 3A & 3B, anendoscope 300 is connected to an endoscope system (not shown). Otherthan as specifically described hereinbelow, the endoscope 300 may be aconventional endoscope such as an EC-3470LK video colonoscope or aVSB-3430K video enteroscope which are commercially available from PentaxEurope GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St. 22527 Hamburg, Germany, and theendoscope system may be a conventional endoscope system such as aconsole including a EPK-1000 video processor and a SONY LMD-2140MDmedical grade flat panel LCD monitor, all commercially available fromPentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527 Hamburg, Germany.

As distinct from a conventional endoscope, the endoscope 300 preferablyincludes an outer sheath 301 which is preferably provided with at leastone balloon inflation/deflation aperture 302, with which is associated afluid flow discriminator such as a filter 304, preferably a gaspermeable, liquid impermeable filter, for example aPolytetrafluoroethylene filer, such as a Polytetrafluoroethylene filersheath forming part of Hydrophobic Filter product P/N 28211,commercially available from Qosina Inc., 150-Q Executive Drive Edgewood,N.Y. 11717-8329 USA. Aperture 302 communicates with an interior volume306 of the endoscope, which in conventional endoscopes is sealed fromthe exterior other than via a leak test port 308 at a rearward portion310 of the endoscope.

Alternatively, as not shown, aperture 302 and filter 304 may communicatewith a fluid flow passageway other than interior volume 306, such as,for example, a fluid or other conduit, such as conventional dedicatedballoon inflation/deflation channels, which are not known to beassociated with filters at a forward portion thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,interior volume 306 generally fills the interior of the endoscope 300.

As in conventional endoscopes, endoscope 300 includes, forward ofrearward portion 310, an insertion tube portion 312 and, at a forwardportion of endoscope 300, a bending section 314. Aperture 302 and filter304 are located in the insertion tube portion 312 of endoscope 300.

Rearward portion 310 preferably includes, in addition to leak test port308, an instrument channel port 320, which communicates with aninstrument channel 322, extending throughout the length of endoscope300. Rearward portion 310 preferably also includes conventional userinterface elements, such as steering knobs 324 and 326 and otherelements (not shown) and defines an interior volume, which forms part ofinterior volume 306 and communicates with the leak test port 308.

Insertion tube portion 312 includes a reinforcement mesh 332 whichserves to maintain the interior volume thereof against collapse duringbending thereof so as to maintain communication therethrough between theinterior volume of the rearward portion and the interior volume of thebending section 314. A tubular sealing sheath 334, typically formingpart of outer sheath 301, seals the interior volume of insertion tubeportion 312 from the exterior of the endoscope. In addition to theinstrument channel 322, an optical fiber bundle 336 also extends throughthe interior volume of the insertion tube portion 312. Other conduitsand elements may also extend through this interior volume.

Bending section 314 includes a selectably bendable reinforcement mesh342 which is selectably bendable in response to operator manipulation ofsteering knobs 324 and 326. The interior volume of bending section 314is thus also protected against collapse during bending thereof so as tomaintain communication therethrough with the interior volumes of theinsertion tube portion 312 and of the rearward portion 310. A tubularsealing bending rubber sheath 344, typically forming part of outersheath 301, seals the interior volume of bending section 314 from theexterior of the endoscope. Bending rubber sheath 144 may be anoff-the-shelf product, such as a silicone bending rubber sheath partnumber SPRBSS11, PVC bending rubber sheath part number SPRBSP11, or aViton bending rubber sheath part number SPRBSV11, all commerciallyavailable from Endoscope Repair Inc. of 5201 Blue Lagoon Drive, No.815Miami, Fla. 33126 USA.

Instrument channel 322, an optical fiber bundle 336 and optionally otherconduits and elements extend through the interior volume of the bendingsection 314.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,bending section 314 includes a rigid collar element 350, preferablyformed of metal, which underlies a forward end 351 of tubular sealingsheath 334 which is butted against a rearward end of sheath 344.

An inflatable tubular balloon 354 is sealingly mounted over tubularsealing sheath 334 of insertion tube portion 312, overlying aperture 302and filter 304 as by any suitable technique such as ultrasonic weldingor an adhesive 358.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, bending section 314 includes a rigid tip portion 370,preferably formed of metal or plastic, a rearward portion 372 of whichunderlies a forward end 374 of sheath 344.

Filter 304 is preferably connected to sheath 334 underlying aperture 302by any suitable technique, such as the use of adhesive. It isappreciated that a gas communication path extends between the leak testport 308 via the interior volume 306, filter 304 and aperture 302 to theinterior of inflatable/deflatable balloon 354.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that aninflation/deflation control system 376 is coupled to the interior volume306 of the endoscope 300 via leak test port 308.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified illustration ofan inflation/deflation control system 380 useful in the balloonendoscopes of FIGS. 1A-3B.

As seen in FIG. 4, the inflation/deflation control system 380 preferablyincludes a pressure pump 382 and a vacuum pump 384, which are preferablyat least partially controlled by a computerized control sub-system 386having associated therewith a user interface 388, preferably includingbuttons and visually sensible indicators. Preferably pressure pump 382and vacuum pump 384 are each connectable to a leak test port of aballoon endoscope, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A-3B (not shown in FIG.4) via a manifold 390 and a flow meter 391. A pressure sensor 392 and apressure valve 394 are preferably connected in series between thepressure pump 382 and manifold 390. A vacuum sensor 395 and a vacuumvalve 396 are preferably connected in series between the vacuum pump 384and manifold 390.

The computerized control sub-system 386 preferably includesinitialization module 397, preferably operative prior to insertion ofthe balloon endoscope into a body cavity; and a real time leakmonitoring balloon inflation module 398 and a real time leak monitoringballoon deflation module 399, both preferably operative when the balloonendoscope is inserted at a desired location in a body cavity.

The initialization module 397, which is preferably automaticallyoperated upon turning on the inflation/deflation control system 380preferably has the following functionality:

-   -   balloon endoscope pressurization producing balloon inflation;        pressure leak test when balloon endoscope is in a pressurized        state and the balloon is surrounded by a balloon confining, gas        permeable collar member;    -   balloon endoscope depressurization producing balloon deflation;        vacuum leak test when balloon endoscope is in a depressurized        state; and    -   provision of system go/no go indication to the operator.

The real time leak monitoring balloon inflation module 398, which ispreferably actuated by the operator following insertion of the balloonendoscope to a desired location within a body cavity, preferably has thefollowing functionality:

-   -   balloon endoscope pressurization producing balloon inflation;        provision of complete balloon inflation indication to the        operator;    -   periodical positive pressure leak test when balloon endoscope is        in a pressurized state within a body cavity such as the        intestine; and    -   provision of leak indication to the operator.

The real time leak monitoring balloon deflation module 399, which ispreferably actuated by the operator following insertion of the balloonendoscope to a desired location within a body cavity, preferably has thefollowing functionality:

-   -   balloon endoscope depressurization producing balloon deflation;    -   provision of complete balloon deflation indication to the        operator;    -   periodical negative pressure leak test when balloon endoscope is        in a depressurized state within a body cavity such as the        intestine; and    -   provision of leak indication to the operator.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the real timeleak monitoring balloon inflation module 398 is responsive to an outputfrom the flow meter 391 in order to distinguish between a sensedpressure drop at the interior of the endoscope which results from achange in the effective volume of the intestine during a procedure and asensed pressure drop at the interior of the endoscope which results froma leak. By monitoring the total flow to the interior of the balloonendoscope and noting the total volume of the inflated balloon and theinterior of the endoscope, a sensed pressure drop combined with anindication of fluid flow which exceeds this total volume indicates thepresence of a leak.

It is appreciated that the functionality of modules 398 and 399 hasutility even in the absence of a balloon, where the interior of theendoscope is sealed from the exterior thereof during operation thereof,such as in otherwise conventional endoscopes wherein automatic real timeleak testing of the interior volume of the endoscope during operation ofthe endoscope is highly desirable.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5J, which are together a simplifiedpictorial flowchart which illustrates operation of a balloon endoscopein accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 5A, there is provided a balloon endoscope constructedand operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, such as any one of the embodiments of an endoscope describedhereinabove, and in particular for the illustrated example of FIGS.5A-5J, the endoscope shown at A in FIGS. 1A & 1B. For the sake ofconvenience and conciseness, the reference numerals used in conjunctionwith FIGS. 1A & 1B are employed throughout the description of FIGS.5A-5J.

Preferably prior to beginning endoscopy treatments each day, a manualleak test is performed on the endoscope 100 using a conventionalendoscope leak tester 402, such as a model PLT-5500, commerciallyavailable from Instrument Specialists Inc., 32390 1H-10 West, Boerne,Tex. 78006-9214, USA, and a balloon confining, gas permeable collarmember 404 which allows gas to escape from a leaky balloon but limitsexpansion thereof.

As seen in FIG. 5B, the leak tester 402 is operatively connected to theleak test port 108 of the balloon endoscope 100 and the collar 404 isplaced over the balloon 154 of the balloon endoscope 100. Using the leaktester 402, positive pressure is applied via the test port 108 and theinterior volume 106 of the balloon endoscope 100 in order to pressurizeand inflate the balloon 154. The pressure within the interior volume 106is visually monitored to detect any pressure decrease over time whichwould indicate a rupture in the balloon 154 or elsewhere in theendoscope 100 which would permit fluid communication between theexterior of the endoscope 100 and its interior volume 106.

Upon successful completion of the leak test, the leak tester 402 and thecollar 404 are detached from the endoscope 100, which is ready forclinical use.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5C, which illustrates a novel further leaktest performed in a clinical setting just prior to insertion of theendoscope 100 into a body cavity. As indicated in FIG. 5C, collar 404 isplaced over balloon 154 and inflation/deflation control system 190 iscoupled to the interior volume 106 of the endoscope 100 via leak testport 108. The operator initiates an automatic Clinical Integrity TestProtocol (CITP) preferably by actuating a CITP button 406.

The Clinical Integrity Test Protocol preferably includes, inter alia,(a) a leak test during balloon inflation and (b) a subsequent leak testduring application of vacuum to the balloon. Preferably, upon successfulcompletion of the Clinical Integrity Test Protocol, a visual indicationis automatically provided to the operator, such as by illumination of anindicator light 408.

Immediately following successful completion of the CITP protocol, asshown in FIG. 5D, the endoscope 100 may be inserted, with balloon 154 ina deflated state, into a body cavity, such as a patient's intestine andadvanced to a location 410 therein at which it is desired to inflateballoon 154.

While balloon 154 is still in a deflated state, module 399 isautomatically operative to provide periodic leak testing of balloon 154and the interior volume 106 of endoscope 100, while the endoscope is ina body cavity.

The balloon 154 is then inflated at location 410, as shown in FIG. 5E bysupplying pressurized gas via the leak test port 108 and the interiorvolume 106 of the endoscope 100 to the interior of the balloon 154.While balloon 154 is in an inflated state, module 398 is automaticallyoperative to provide periodic leak testing of balloon 154 and theinterior volume 106 of endoscope 100, while the endoscope is in a bodycavity.

Inflation of balloon 154 is preferably operative to anchor the balloonendoscope and thereby to spatially stabilize the endoscope 100 in theintestine and allow various diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures tobe carried out using conventional endoscope tools and techniques asindicated, for example in FIG. 5F. Examples of diagnostic and/ortherapeutic procedures which are advantageously carried out using theballoon endoscope 100 include removal of polyps, as shown in FIG. 5F,performing biopsies, dilating strictures, suturing, stapling andclipping. Following completion of the diagnostic and/or therapeuticprocedures, the endoscope tools may be removed and the balloon 154 maybe deflated to allow advancement or retraction of the endoscope.

A two-balloon technique, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 5G & 5H maybe employed in order to facilitate advancement of the balloon endoscopein the intestine. Conventional two-balloon endoscope advancement isknown, and described in details for example in applicant's copending PCTApplication No. PCT/IL2005/000152, filed Feb. 7, 2005; PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/IL2005/000849, filed Aug. 8, 2005; PCT Application No.PCT/IL2007/000600, filed May 17, 2007; and in US patent applicationpublication No. US 2005/0171400. FIGS. 5G & 5H show the provision of asecond inflation/deflation control system 420, which may be identical instructure and function to inflation/deflation control system 380 (FIG.4) and is also useful with the balloon endoscopes of FIGS. 1A-3B.

Second inflation/deflation control system 420 preferably includes aninitialization module (not shown), similar or identical toinitialization module 397 of inflation/deflation control system 380,preferably operative prior to insertion of the balloon endoscope into abody cavity. Second inflation/deflation control system 420 preferablyalso includes a real time leak monitoring balloon inflation module 428,similar or identical to real time leak monitoring balloon inflationmodule 398 of inflation/deflation control system 380 and a real timeleak monitoring balloon deflation module 429, similar or identical toreal time leak monitoring balloon deflation module 399, ofinflation/deflation control system 380.

Second inflation/deflation control system 420 preferably communicateswith an endoscope tool balloon 440 mounted on a flexible tube 442 of anendoscope tool 444. In two-balloon endoscope advancement, endoscope toolballoon 440 is operated preferably using the protocol described abovewith reference to FIGS. 4 and 5C. More specifically, a novel furtherleak test is performed in a clinical setting just prior to insertion ofthe endoscope tool 444 into instrument channel 122 of endoscope 100.

The operator initiates an automatic Clinical Integrity Test Protocol(CITP) preferably by actuating a CITP button 456.

The Clinical Integrity Test Protocol preferably includes, inter alia,(a) a leak test during balloon inflation and (b) a subsequent leak testduring application of vacuum to the balloon. Preferably, upon successfulcompletion of the Clinical Integrity Test Protocol, a visual indicationis automatically provided to the operator, such as by illumination of anindicator light 458.

Immediately following successful completion of the CITP protocol, theendoscope tool 444 may be inserted through the instrument channel 122 ina deflated state and thereafter inflated forward of the endoscope 100,as shown in FIG. 5G.

While balloon 440 is still in a deflated state, module 429 isautomatically operative to provide periodic leak testing of balloon 440while the endoscope is in a body cavity.

While balloon 440 is an inflated state, as shown in FIG. 5G, module 428is automatically operative to provide periodic leak testing of balloon440, while the endoscope 100 and the balloon 440 are in a body cavity.

It is appreciated that while balloon 154 and endoscope 100 are in thebody cavity, periodic leak testing thereof continues in accordance withthe protocols established by modules 398 and 399, described above.

Stages of two-balloon advancement of the endoscope 100 are illustratedin FIGS. 5G and 5H, employing balloons 154 and 440. Thereafter,additional two-balloon advancement steps may take place. Following eachadvancement step, balloon 440 may be deflated as shown in FIG. 5H. Whileballoon 440 is still in a deflated state, module 429 is automaticallyoperative to provide periodic leak testing of balloon 440. Once tool 444is no longer required, it may be removed via the instrument channel 122,when balloon 440 is in a deflated state.

FIG. 5I shows removal of the balloon endoscope 100 from the patient bodycavity, with balloon 154 in a deflated state. While balloon 154 is stillin a deflated state, module 399 is automatically operative to provideperiodic leak testing of balloon 154 and the interior volume 106 ofendoscope 100, while the endoscope is in a body cavity.

FIG. 5J illustrates reprocessing, including cleaning of the balloonendoscope 100 following use thereof. Manual cleaning of balloon 154while inflated is shown at A and machine cleaning of the balloon 154within a liquid spray permeable inflation limiting collar 460 is shownat B. In both cases, the balloon 154 is preferably inflated via leaktest port 108 and then sealed in an inflated state for cleaning, as by astopcock 462.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6J, which are simplified pictorialillustrations of a method of manufacture of a balloon endoscope inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

A conventional non-balloon endoscope 500 such as an EC-3470LK videocolonoscope or a VSB-3430K video enteroscope which are commerciallyavailable from Pentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St. 22527Hamburg, Germany, may be provided.

Alternatively, an endoscope of a different manufacturer may be employed.In such a case, a leak test port may be located at various locations ormay not be provided. In the former case, if the location of the leaktest port is not suitable, the existing leak test port may be sealed anda new leak test port formed, as by a retrofit procedure, at a suitablelocation in communication with the interior volume of the endoscope. Inthe latter case, a leak test port may be provided in communication withthe interior volume of the endoscope, as by a retrofit procedure.

The endoscope 500 may be retrofitted as a balloon endoscope by initiallyremoving a bending rubber sheath 502 therefrom, as seen in FIGS. 6A &6B. This is preferably accomplished by first removing the epoxy-coveredwound retaining wires 504 and 506 which attach the sheath 502 to theremainder of the endoscope 500. As shown in a simplified manner in FIG.6A, this may be achieved by first grinding down the epoxy and thencutting the wire using a scalpel.

Thereafter, as shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 6B, the bendingrubber sheath 502 may then be slit using the scalpel and an underlyingprotective plate inserted between the bending rubber sheath 502 and theprotective mesh 508 of the endoscope 500.

The result of the steps shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is an endoscope havingan exposed bending section 510. Alternatively, an endoscope may beinitially constructed to have an exposed bending section 510.

In a separate manufacturing sequence, an aperture 518 is formed in aconventional bending rubber sheath 520, such as a silicone bendingrubber sheath part number SPRBSS11, PVC bending rubber sheath partnumber SPRBSP11, or a Viton bending rubber sheath part number SPRBSV11,all commercially available from Endoscope Repair Inc. of 5201 BlueLagoon Drive, No.815 Miami, Fla. 33126 USA, by any suitable technique,such as punching. A filter element 522 is preferably adhered by anadhesive 524, such as a Polychloroprene based Contact Cementcommercially available from Elmer's Products Inc. of One Easton OvalColumbus, Ohio 43219, USA, to the interior of the bending rubber sheath520 underlying aperture 518, such as by the use of an inserter 526. Aremovable fluid sealing patch 528 is preferably placed over the aperture518 on the outside of the bending rubber sheath 520.

The resulting apertured, filter-equipped and sealed bending rubbersheath assembly 530 is preferably inserted into a bending rubber sheathplacement tool 532. Tool 532 preferably includes a cylinder 533 which isshorter than sheath assembly 530. The axial ends 534 and 536 of sheathassembly 530 are preferably bent over onto the corresponding axial ends538 and 540 of tool 532, as shown in FIG. 6D.

A vacuum port 542 communicates with the interior of the cylinder 533 oftool 532. A vacuum is applied between the interior of tool 532 and theexterior of sheath assembly 530 via vacuum port 542, thereby producingradial stretching of sheath assembly 530 and resulting axial expansionthereof, as shown in FIG. 6D.

Turning now to FIG. 6E, it is seen that the endoscope having an exposedbending section 510, (FIG. 6B) is inserted into the tool 532 holding thesheath assembly 530 under vacuum in a radially expanded state (FIG. 6D),such that the rearward end 538 of tool 532 overlies a rigid collarelement 550 of endoscope 500 and the forward end 540 of tool 532overlies a rearward portion 552 of a rigid tip portion 554 of endoscope500 as seen at A.

The vacuum is then released as shown at B, allowing part of the bendingrubber assembly 530 to collapse onto the reinforcement mesh 508. Asshown at C, the ends 534 and 536 of the bending rubber assembly 530 arethen rolled off corresponding ends 538 and 540 of tool 532 and ontorigid collar element 550 and onto rearward portion 552 of rigid tipportion 554 of endoscope 500, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6F, theresulting partially retrofitted endoscope 560 has rearwardly facing edge564 of bending rubber assembly 530 in butting relationship with acorresponding forwardly facing edge 566 of a tubular sealing sheath 568of endoscope 560 as seen at A and a forwardly facing edge 570 of bendingrubber assembly 530 in butting relationship with a correspondingrearwardly facing edge 572 of rigid tip portion 554 of endoscope 560, asshown at B.

As further seen in FIG. 6F, the tool 532 is slipped off of the endoscope500 and the patch 528 is removed.

Turning to FIG. 6G, it is seen that a balloon, preferably a pre-shapedballoon 580 such as balloon 154 as described hereinabove, is slippedover the bending rubber assembly 530 of endoscope 500 such that therespective axial ends 582 and 584 of balloon 580 are aligned withrespective ends 534 and 536 of the bending rubber assembly 530 and moreparticularly preferably such that a rearwardly facing edge 588 ofballoon 580 overlies rearwardly facing edge 564 of bending rubberassembly 530 and a forwardly facing edge 590 of balloon 580 overliesforwardly facing edge 570 of bending rubber assembly 530.

As seen in FIG. 6H, wires 592 and 594 are tightly wound about respectiveends 582 and 584 of balloon 580. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 61, thewound wires are preferably encased in epoxy 596 together with therespective butting edges 564 & 566 and 570 & 572 and corresponding ends534 and 536 of bending rubber assembly 530.

The steps shown particularly in FIGS. 6H and 6I provide fluid sealingbetween the interior volume of the balloon 580 and the exterior thereofand also provides fluid sealing between respective ends 534 and 536 ofthe bending rubber assembly 530 and rigid collar element 550 andrearward portion 552 of rigid tip portion 554 of endoscope 500. Theprovision of epoxy 596 additionally provides fluid sealing between therespective butting edges 564 & 566 and 570 & 572.

The result of the manufacturing steps shown in FIGS. 6A-6I is a balloonendoscope constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. A particular feature of the presentinvention in both the retrofit and non-retrofit balloon endoscopes isuse of the interior volume of the endoscope for balloon inflation anddeflation. It is also a particular feature of the present invention thatretrofit of a conventional endoscope as a balloon endoscope requiresonly modification of the bending section of the endoscope.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein above. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications whichwould occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading thespecifications and which are not in the prior art.

1. A balloon endoscope comprising: an endoscope body having a selectablypressurizable interior volume, which generally fills the interior ofsaid endoscope body; and a selectably inflatable balloon located on anouter surface of said endoscope body and defining a balloon volume whichcommunicates with said interior volume for selectable inflation of saidballoon by selectable pressurization of said interior volume.
 2. Aballoon endoscope according to claim 1 and wherein at least one conduitextends through at least part of said selectably pressurizable interiorvolume.
 3. (canceled)
 4. A balloon endoscope according to claim 2 orclaim 3 and wherein said at least one conduit includes an instrumentchannel.
 5. A balloon endoscope according to claim 1 and wherein saidendoscope body includes a leak test port communicating with saidselectably pressurizable interior volume.
 6. A balloon endoscopeaccording to claim 1 and also including a fluid flow discriminator at aforward portion of said selectably pressurizable interior volume whichprevents passage of liquid but permits passage of gas therethrough.
 7. Aballoon endoscope according to claim 1 and also comprising a ballooninflation/deflation control system communicating with said selectablypressurizable interior volume and with said selectably inflatableballoon and being operative to provide automatic leak testing of atleast one of said selectably pressurizable interior volume and saidselectably inflatable balloon.
 8. A balloon endoscope according to claim7 and wherein said balloon inflation/deflation control system has atleast two modes of operation including: a positive pressure leak testingmode; and a negative pressure leak testing mode.
 9. A balloon endoscopeaccording to claim 1 and wherein said selectably inflatable balloon isretrofitted onto said endoscope body.
 10. A balloon endoscope accordingto claim 1 and wherein said selectably inflatable balloon comprises:generally cylindrical rearward and forward ends having a fixed innercross-sectional radius R1; a central cylindrical portion having a fixedinner cross-sectional radius R2, when inflated to a nominal pressure,slightly in excess of atmospheric pressure; and circularly symmetrictapered portions extending between said central cylindrical portion andeach of said rearward and forward ends, whose inner radius changes fromR2 to R1 where: cos(Alpha) is approximately equal to r/R2; r is theinner radius of said balloon at a given location between said centralcylindrical portion and one of said rearward and forward ends; and Alphais the angle between a tangent to said balloon at said given locationand a longitudinal axis of symmetry of said balloon.
 11. (canceled) 12.A balloon endoscope according to claim 1 and comprising a bendingsection including a bending rubber sheath and wherein said selectablyinflatable balloon is located rearwardly of said bending rubber sheath.13. A balloon endoscope according to claim 1 and wherein said selectablyinflatable balloon is removably mounted onto said outer surface of saidendoscope.
 14. A balloon endoscope according to claim 1 and comprising abending section including a bending rubber sheath and wherein saidselectably inflatable balloon overlies said bending rubber sheath.
 15. Aballoon endoscope according to claim 14 and wherein said selectablyinflatable balloon is generally coextensive with said bending rubbersheath. 16-57. (canceled)
 58. A method for balloon endoscopy comprising:providing an endoscope including an endoscope body having a selectablypressurizable interior volume, which generally fills the interior ofsaid endoscope body, and a selectably inflatable balloon; and selectablyinflating said selectably inflatable balloon by selectablepressurization of said interior volume.
 59. A method for balloonendoscopy according to claim 58 and wherein said selectably inflatingcomprises selectably inflating said selectably inflatable balloon via aleak test port communicating with said selectably pressurizable interiorvolume.
 60. A method for balloon endoscopy according to claim 58 andwherein said selectably inflating comprises enabling passage of gas butnot liquid between said selectably pressurizable interior volume andsaid selectably inflatable balloon.
 61. A balloon endoscope according toclaim 58 and wherein said selectably inflating comprises providingautomatic leak testing of at least one of said selectably pressurizableinterior volume and said selectably inflatable balloon. 62-67.(canceled)
 68. A method of manufacture of a balloon endoscopecomprising: providing an at least partially complete endoscope having aselectably pressurizable interior volume; providing at least oneaperture in an outer sheath of said endoscope, said at least oneaperture communicating with said selectably pressurizable interiorvolume; and providing a selectably inflatable balloon over said outersheath and in sealing engagement therewith, said balloon being arrangedto have a balloon volume overlying said at least one aperture.
 69. Amethod of manufacture of a balloon endoscope according to claim 68 andwherein: said providing an at least partially complete endoscopecomprises providing an endoscope lacking at least part of said outersheath; and said providing at least one aperture comprises: forming anaperture in an outer sheath; and thereafter mounting said outer sheathon said endoscope.
 70. (canceled)
 71. A method of manufacture of aballoon endoscope according to claim 68 and wherein said providing an atleast partially complete endoscope comprises retrofitting said endoscopeto remove at least part of said outer sheath thereof. 72-77. (canceled)